History of Endurance at Nanango

The first endurance ride was held at Nanango in 1979, it was run out of the showgrounds in conjunction with a Campdraft .Bob Sample and Sharahd Sheek won the ride, I cant remember much more about it except that a lot of riders got lost!

In 1990 a small committee was formed and the first of several 80k rides were run, culminating in the QERA State Championships in 1996 and the first Queensland FEI 160klm ride was held in 1999.

Following are the winner and grinners of this period.

1990 Head Vet Jon Fearnley

21.10.1990 Nanango National Trail 80klm

Starters 41 Completions 22 Trainers 28 starters 27 completions

Open division

1^st June Peterson, Kildara Sharina (aka Ratsack) 5:12hrs BC (open/hwt)

1^ST HW Roy Barsby, Lawes Janna 5:40hrs

1^st LW Anne Jones, Marengo Busznin 4:55hrs

1^st Junior Luke Olive, Manxman 4:44hrs BC (lw/jnr)

Other successful riders still current, Karen Johansen 6^th, Derek Armitage 12^th, Greg Garred 13^th open

Micheal Gabriel 6th LW, Sue Everson 4^th LW, Sarah Armitage 3^rd Jr.

Recognising a great horse, Kildara Sharina (Ratsack) (Afandi x Pasadena Natasha) Arabian mare foaled 1980 trained in the Nanango forest for 10 years, during the course of her career she achieved 8 Faraway 320klm rides placing in the top 5 several times and awarded the BM horse, this is a feat yet to be equalled, and now may never be. She also won 4 Quilty Buckles, 3 in the top 10, was in the 1994 Bronze medal Team at the Hague

See photos

1991

21..04.1991 Nanango National Trail HV Jon Fearnley

Starters 76 (42m/w) Completions 53 (27m/w)

1^st M/W Jim Farr Sharahd Cassandra 4:56 BC

1stH/W Chris Pollitt Anstley Genghis Kahn 5:50

1^st L/W Bronwyn James Sharahd Brown Mystery 4:56

1^st Jnr Adam Garvin Mujabbub 4:56 BC

Other successful riders were Simone Guy (Krahnen) 2^nd, Bruce Overton 3^rd,

David Grace , Rod Strahan, Gordon Flaherty 3^rd H/W, Mary Sims, 6^th L/W

1992 Head Vet Jon Fearnley

22.3.1992 Nanango National trail 80klm

Starters Completions 43 NB only 14 of the 36 open riders finished!

Trainers 34 Completions 16

1^st M.W Peter Mounsey Flash of Magic 6:17

1^st HW David Summerville Blue Moon Teska 6:01 BC M/HW OA winner

1^st L/W Adam Garvin Radi 5:00hrs BC LW/JNR

1^st Jnr Sarah Armitage Al-Meriane Ria 5:22hrs

=1^st Katei Marie Cullen Dealbata Siddhi 5:22hrs

Other successful to complete, Chris Forrester, and Mandala Galactic (Gus) 2nd Jean Taylor 6^th, Allan Renner 2^nd h/w, Barry Thurlow 7thh/w, Lesley Cullen (Nancarrow) 3^rd LW, Caroline Gedddes (Fitzgerald) 10^th LW ridng Suruk who both came back and won the state champs in 1996. Micheal Shaw 4^th Jnr ridng Gaddfi

Recognizing a great horse.. Radi , foaled 1983 (Milex x Promissa) with Adam on board were 1^st across the line at the 1992 Quilty in SA, Adam rode the ride at 72kgs, if he had carried the extra kg he would have won the Gold Cup! This combination later competed at the WEG a part of the Australian team in 1994, Radi was sold to Gun Carlson from Sweden, the same lady who purchased Aussie Prince from Tom Thompson in 1990, Radi went on the win 2 European Championships.

1993

21.03.1993 Nanango National Trail 85klms HV Jon Fearnley

Starters 39 Completions 30

Trainers 33 Completions 29

1^st M/W Chris Forrester Mandala Galactic 5:52

1^st H/W Dennis Smith Torremolinos 5:43

1^st L/W Anne Jones Marengo Busznin 5:54 BC Lw/Jnr

1^st Jnr not listed, one started and one finished

BC O/HW was Zeya , ridden by Bruce Seaward , 3^rd place in 5:54hrs. other notable riders to complete were Ray Vald and Blaze (2^nd), Erica Williams (Sharahd Friday) 4^th, Jim Farr (Black Rose Flame) 5^th. Chris Pollitt (Wrights Finelle) 3^rd H/W, Bronwyn James (Sharahd Brown Mystery) 2^nd L/W , Sandra Pollitt (Avante) 4^th L/W

Recognising great horses, Torremolinos., Arabian gelding foaled 1980 (Gaspar x Gisela) and Mandala Galactic (Gus) Arabian gelding foaled 1980 (Gaspar x Ratina) both these horses ridden by Dennis Smith and Chris Forrester respectively, were unbeatable combinations in Queensland during the early 1990’s, winning many rides and State Championships, 1990 State Championships at Charleville saw these two great horses cross the finish line together to win in a time of 8:18 hrs. Dennis and Torremolinos (who rode at 105kgs) were 5^th and BC at the WA Quilty in 1989, having completed the last Hall of Fame Winton Longreach 250klm in 1988 in a similar placing. Chris and Gus were a part of the Bronze medal team representing Australia at the Hague in 1994.

1993

6.11.93 Nanango by Nite HV Jon Fearnley

Starters 62 Completions 40

Trainers 17 Completions 11

=1^st M/W Jim Farr Black Rose Flame 6:01

=1^st m/w Michael Brickley El Shaleo Sahib 6:01

1^st H/W Bruce Eriksen Ausden Ruble 6:03

=1^st L/W Anne Jones Marengo Busznin 6:10

=1^st L/W Bronwyn James KP Silver Elite 6:10

=1stJnr Katie Maree Cullen Dealbata Jackie Rae 6:16

=1 Justin Brickley Wayandah Crazee 6:16

BC MWT/HWT Chris Forrester and Riphal (3^rd)

BC LWT/Jnr Bronwyn James and KP Silver Elite

Other riders competing at that time, Janet Bull and Sundust Midnight,(= 4^th m/w) John Thielan and Cedardell Simon ( 8^th m/w) , David Smith and Lobo Magic ( 2^nd h/w) Noel Weismann and Kentucky Lucky ( 4^th h/w) Gail Dreyer and Westwood Cristin, ( 5^th l/w) Jim Wells TarrendeneTessa (8^th l/w) Trent Clifford and Everglades Supreme (4^th Jnr) Mathew Haynes Wanamara Lyric ( 5^th Jnr)

1994

8.11.94 Nanango by Nite HV Jon Fearnley

Starters 46 Completions 37

Trainers not listed

1^st H/W Bruce Erickson Ausden Ruble 5:43

1^st M/W Jean Taylor Vet School Alladin 5:55

1^st L/W Anne Jones Marengo Busznin 5:43

1^st Jnr Katie Maree Cullen Dealbata Three Fingers 5:43

BC’S M/W H/W Sonval Mukhtar / David Caldwell 2^nd H/W 5:51

L/W Jnr Shaiyana / Sue Everson 2^nd L/W 5:51

Other riders of note that year were, Garry Beard, (Barfield Rackateer) 4^th m/w Sharon Russel (Mai-San Galena) =7^th, Lyn Bailey (El Shalao Yasmin) =7^th, Olga Bartlett (Jackson Brown) = 12^th, Jo Hamilton (Charabal Amarita) 8^th L/W, Clare Waldau (Renee) 11^th L/W

1995

5.11.95 Nanango 80klm HV Jon Fearnley

Starters 40 Completions 20 NB 7 out of 19 M/W’s completed

Trainers 23 Completions 16

1^st M/W Derek Armitage Barbaree Sioll 6:13

1^st H/W Peter Toft Bremervale Mischa 5:38 BC H/W M/W

1^st L/W Anne Jones Kim Dande Tara 6:15

1^st Jnr Mark Haigh Rahfire King 6:15 BC Jnr/LW

Other riders of note were Sandy Watt (Cairo) 2^nd m/w, Teena Cashin (Liscannor Copellia) 3^rd m/w , Kevin Cook (Numbkimbil) 4^th h/w ,Ivan Sampson (Hillbrae Garnet ) 6^th h/w, Helena South (Banchee) 3^rd

Recognising a great horse, Rahfire King, ridden by Mark Haigh, the following year 1996, won the Tom Quilty at Myrtleford in a time of 8:14 hrs, this time still stands a a record for the Quilty. It is also interesting to note that at the same Quilty (1996) 2nd place went to Brook Sample ( Sharahd Caprice) 8:26, 3^rd to Martin Parker and Tracee Two in 8:43, and 4^th to Caroline Fitzgerald (Suruk ) 9:25.

Following is the Vets report of the above Nanango ride

“Fortunately, the night before the ride, an intense electrical storm (with heavy rain and hail(and an ensuing black out) improved conditions for the ride, especially the first leg. Conditions were pleasant to fresh with good going. Throughout the day, vetting for lameness was aggressive, with an aim for consistency and benchmarking. The heat of the morning told on some horses in the second leg, adding to the vet outs. Four horses required invasive treatment. The vetting team received excellent support from the club, stewards, and TPR’s and great cooperation from the competitors.”

Jon Fearnley

1996

Qld State Championships 160klm 30.8.1996

Veterinary team: HV, DR Chris Pollitt, Drs, Brian Sheahan, Jon Fearnley, John Thornton, John Robertson and Judy Law

CS, Jim Farr run VGIH

Starters m/w 20 Completions 13

h/w 16 8

l/w 9 8

Jnr 8 7

M/weight

1. Caroline Fitzgerald Suruk 12:35 BC

2. Jeff Trevarthan Willara S O’starlight 13:40

2 June Petersen Abbeline Elektra 13:40

2. Erica Williams Sharahd Friday 13:40

2. Derek Armitage Al-meraine Ria 13:40

6. Julie Kemp Birri van Nina 15:24

7. Megan Law D. Park Razana 15:25

8. Kathleen Roberts Shayperil Golden Lady 16:43

9. Jackie Swan Brecon Paraway 18:29

10. Karen Eldridge Oakbank Tanixy 19:09

11 Beverly Rayner Lindsay Park Sayiid 19:46

12 Wendy Dawson DuCarle Magic Destyne 20:04

13 Marie Lacey Dejay Kyabra 20:15

Heavyweight

1. Bill Standfield Joseph 13:17

2. Kevin Cook Nunkimbil 15:42

3. John Fry Dejay Princess Shirak 17:09

4. Bruce Erickson Ausden Ruble 17:12

5. Ron Gauscoine Yimkin Bahdan 17:15

6. Peter Birch Arabian Park Red 17:25

7. Gavin Clarke Puck 18:56

8. Ivan Sampson Hillbrae LC 19:11

Lightweight

1. Kylie Roth Sangria Ibn Inca 15:32 BC

2. Nicole Urquhart Gundy 16:22

3. Gail Dreyer Westwood Cristin 16:43

4. Nerrida Wolfe Lynton Park Khan 17:09

5. Elizabeth Connor Shy Time 17:14

6. Joanne Hamilton Charabal Amarita 18:29

7. Mary Sims Shadow 18:29

8. Judy Burton Wealdbarnes Mufti 18:58

Junior

1. David Pembroke Zephyrantes 16:37

2. Shyreen Russell Cheekie 16:40

3. Abby Gill Sharahd Leatitia 17:48

These are 2 poems written by Jim Mangan , a bush poets immortalisation of the State Championship ride. Jim, now an octogenarian , always drove the water trucks, together with his son Peter, that supplied the on course water for all the Nanango rides held during this time. Jim was born and has lived all his life in Nanango.

The Nanango Hundred Mile

The riders come from near and far

Are welcomed with a smile

Horses and riders to test their skill

In Nanango’s 100 mile

Stewards and Vets and strappers are near

Full is the moon and bright

The waiting hour is soon to pass

Hoof beats will scar the night

By Marble Top and Tom Tom Gorge

Where the hoop pines towering high

Moan in the wind and gullies deep

‘Neath stars of a cloudless sky.

Nanango, Blackbutt, Taromeo

And Cooyar creek a-flowing,

The starts are bright this August night

But the stress and strain are showing

Never a shout or an idle word

As the riders rest awhile

By the water trough as the horses drink

Nanango’s ‘hundred mile’

The sun will set and the moon will rise

An owl will beat in flight

Horse and rider will move as one

To merge this August night

In an eerie hour of the day at dawn

As the iron clad hoof beats ring

A rider tired and a horse that’s beat

Hear not the morning sing

A horse is sashed and a rider wreathed

Applause and a winner smile

The going’s tough in Tom Tom Gorge

In Nanango’s hundred mile

Jim Mangan 10.8.1996

Looking Back

The folks around will tell you all

I’ve earned it from my youth

There’s nothing quite so dear to me

As sticking to the truth

Of course it was a starry night

The moon a ball of fire

It was, for sure , I told you so

I never was a liar

I promised you the moon and stars

For coming and for going

Wind in the pines at Tom Tom Gorge

I promised water flowing

I told you all to bring a coat

I think I mentioned that

The wind would blow a bloody gale

And blow away your hat

That Barbara Timms, she tricked me , friends

To cross a flimsy bridge

Where waters flow so deep and dark

Out past the stony ridge

I saw the sign- my heart near stopped

It read, ‘at most 4 tonnes’

It creaked and groaned, it lurched and swayed

I thought that I was gone

A winner we have crowned today

Salute her, horse and gear

They conquered every obstacle

Lets give a rousing cheer

Our town and district bids farewell

But do please come again

Forget the moon, forget the stars

Just bring us lots of rain

Jim Mangan 31.8.1996

(written while delivering the water on track)

On September 3-5^th 1999, the International Spring Festival was held, again at Nanango, this time using the Nanango Race course and Rodeo grounds as the ride base. The Festival was one of the first rides held in Australia under the (then) current FEI rules. There was a Category A (now 3*) 160klm and a Category B 120klm ride, both run concurrently over the same course. Riders came from all over Australia as well as NZL, Japan and Malaysia to compete.

The Veterinary team consisted of Dr Jim Bryant, (Canada), Drs Chris Pollitt, Brian Sheahan , John Thornton, and Jo Hamilton

CEI Category A 160klm

Starters 29 Completions 18 62.07%

1 Martin Parker R.M. (Pembac Pk Caleb) 10:50 BC

2 Arch Felton Allira Park Minarian 11:23

3 Naomi McGaffin KP Discovery 12:30:43

4. Kevin Bohm KP Lynara 12:30:44

5 Ondy Lawes King Trigger 13:16

6 Peter Pike Cascade 13:17

7 Jen Gilbertson Oakbank Tanixy 13:50

8 Danielle O’Loughlin Shahraza 13:50:01

9 Ron Guascoine Harb Wind Haiya 14:16

10 Craig Renner Lentara Park Jobe 14:23

11 Damien Keys Kynnum Park Arb 14:35

12 Alwyn Torrenbeck Queen of Diamonds 14:52

13 Jamie Lacey Sharahd Balladier 15:53

14 Peter Casey Fred 17:17

15 Melissa Law Princess Delilah 17:40

16 Megan Law Doralmir Park Razana 17:40:05

17 Ivan Sampson Hillbrae LC 17:40:06

18 Madeline Fisher Nikos Markos 18:06

CEI Category B 120klm

Starters 21 Completions 11 52.38%

1. Jane Radny La Crème 9:35

2 Yadori Yasunaga Bremervale Justice 9:38 BC

3 Sue Crockett Duo Park Uraque 9:56

4 Dato Kamaruddin Bara Park Bastien 10:28

5 Angelina Paterson PM Bogart 10:39

6 Scott O’Brien Arika Baie 11:04

7 Karen Johanson Allira Park Taurian 11;36

8 Veronica Parker Stanpark Avondale 12:06

9 Heather Roberts Tutamen Mustika 12:08

10 Sandy Horton Torryburn Majesty 12:10

11 Olga Bartlett Jackson Brown 12:26

Recognising two of the outstanding horses to complete in each of these events, RM (Pembac Park Caleb) and Bremervale Justice went on in 2000 to win Team Gold at the World Championships at Compeigne (France). RM was placed 4^th, the first four horses all crossing the finish line together , 3 of which were members of the French team . Bremervale Justice has gone onto win a Team Bronze medal at Jerez (Spain), Silver medal Dubai, 2004/5 and a completion in Aachen Germany 2006, each time ridden by Penny Toft. Justice is the only horse currently in the world to have won a medal of each colour at World Championships